
Part 3 – Omega-3 Index Series: What Factors Influence the Omega-3 Index?
If the Omega-3 Index is not just a biomarker, but also an important risk factor, then what are the things that influence its levels?
OmegaQuant
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in yourblood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. We have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8% will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — to protect your health.
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in yourblood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. We have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8% will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — to protect your health.
The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (also written “n-6/n-3”) analyzes 7 omega-6 fatty acids and 4 omega-3 fatty acids. The total amount of omega-6s and omega-3s are divided by each other to get a ratio. We recommend a ratio of 3-5:1 (omega-6:omega-3).
The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, vs. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because powerful signaling molecules can be made from them. These molecules can affect anything from blood clotting to birth contractions to inflammatory responses. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health.
OmegaQuant
The Omega-3 Index Plus Test measures fatty acid levels in the blood and reports omega-3, omega-6 and trans fat blood levels. View sample report >
Read all instructions prior to sample collection
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in yourblood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. We have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8% will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — to protect your health.
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in yourblood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. We have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8% will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — to protect your health.
The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (also written “n-6/n-3”) analyzes 7 omega-6 fatty acids and 4 omega-3 fatty acids. The total amount of omega-6s and omega-3s are divided by each other to get a ratio. We recommend a ratio of 3-5:1 (omega-6:omega-3).
The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, vs. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because powerful signaling molecules can be made from them. These molecules can affect anything from blood clotting to birth contractions to inflammatory responses. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health.
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OmegaQuant was founded in 2009 by Dr. Bill Harris, one of the world's leading authorities in fatty acids, particularly omega-3 EPA and DHA. To date, he has published more than 400 scientific papers and is considered to be among the top 2% of scientists worldwide. In the early 2000s, Dr. Harris conceived the Omega-3 Index, which is seen as the standard by which researchers, healthcare providers, and the public measure omega-3 status. To date, the Omega-3 Index has been featured in more than 200 research papers. While OmegaQuant's legacy is fatty acid testing and research, in the last few years the company has expanded its scope to include testing for other nutrients such as vitamin D and B12. In the video, Dr. Bill Harris goes back to where it all began...
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Omega-3, omega-6 and trans fats all play a role in your health and are related to risk for a variety of issues. Tracking these numbers can help you optimize them for your health.
The Omega-3 Index, Trans Fat Index, Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio and AA/EPA ratio all can be changed by what you eat. But everyone responds differently to dietary changes, so the only way to know is to test. We recommend testing every 4-6 months to confirm you are getting the right mix of fats in your diet.
All you need to do to raise your Omega-3 Index is modify your diet to include more EPA and DHA, whether from fatty fish like salmon or omega-3 supplements. The actual amount you would need to take in order to raise your Omega-3 Index into the target range (>8%) depends in part on the starting level, but it cannot be predicted with certainty.
You won’t know if your fatty acid status just by tracking your diet — it must be measured.
Once you know your status, it can be optimized with simple dietary changes.
Testing your fatty acid every 4 months will ensure that your levels stay optimal.